Bathrobe dilemma

Question

This was my Daddy's bathrobe, which I can't bring myself to get rid of. Trying to think of a creative way to repurpose it. And you guys are the cleverest. Any suggestions? It's navy blue satin.

Swan Road Designs · Answer

Since it's a man's robe, there should be ample fabric to utilize into some nice projects. For example, cut the sleeves out, put a trim on the cut edges (both shoulder and cuff edges), stuff with polyfil, and tie with a velvet ribbon like a Tootsie Roll to create a pair of neckroll pillows. Use the remaining bulk of the body of the robe to make one, or probably at least two, maybe three, large square pillows. Once made you will have a memento of your dad and could even hug him, well, the pillows.

You could also trim a photo frame with scraps of the fabric and place photos of your daddy in the frame to compliment the effect,.

Just what came off the top of my head.

Colleen · Answer

My condolences over the loss of your father. Are you sure you want to repurpose it? just wear it, take it to a seamstress have it altered to your size.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Peggy Maynard Corbett I like the suggestions by Swan Road. Not sure what is around in your house, but you could use the robe to create a chair cover or skirt. Perhaps you have a small window where this fabric would work in. It is a very classic fabric by the way. 
You might also want to cut it in such a way as to create a throw or shawl - may want to line it with a warmer fabric - perfect for a cool evening inside or out - I am forever using a throw to cover my knees. With this type of project you would be close to your dad. Let us know what you do and post a pic, I would love to see it.

Linda T · Answer

I took some of my mom's things, wrapped them in pretty paper, put them in a decorative box and buried them beside a tree. She loved trees and flowers.

Carole · Answer

Make it into a pretty shoe bag or sleepwear case to put your nightie in. Can you get it made into a slip or nightie for yourself?

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Like the colours and pattern. I would make up into decorative pillows.

Debs · Answer

I would make pretty throw pillows to keep on my bed during the day or in a guest room on the bed,,Make one with the front pocket in-tack so you can keep a letter/message from him inside of it... What would we ever do without memories..... So Sorry about the loss of your dear Father..

Carol · Answer

I lost my Dad also and had the same question with some of his items. I had his robe and a sweater each made into a bear. One bear now sits on my bed and each day I am reminded of how amazing my dad was and how blessed I was to have him for my dad:).  I know the bear will last many years and will be passed down to my kids someday. I like the ideas of using the robe and of pillows and such, to me I wanted something that would last years, perhaps generations and the bear worked for us. I had it made by a seamstress and its jointed, really a very cute little guy :).  Whatever you choose will be perfect for you.

Carla · Answer

When my father in law passed away last year, his wife had me make teddy bears from some of his old shirts.

Linda Bailey · Answer

You could always use the fabric in it to make a throw for your couch. Use all the fabric on the top, and back with some navy blue fleece. That way you could wrap up in it, and remember your dad.

Frances · Answer

My friend had teddy bears made out of her old mink coat,and gave them to her grandchildren

Melissa Coutilish Jewell · Answer

Aw how sweet! My condolences to you losing Your Dad..Have You thought about framing (or having it framed,professionally) in a shadow box type frame? Could be the top 1/2 to make it a standard sized frame or you could custom make it long & narrow with a handsome frame made out out dark stained mouldings attached to the edges of simple pine boards..If you watch any show that features any sports stars' home,They ALWAYS have Their jersey,or outfit framed in a shadow box!!!

Kathy · Answer

a pillow

Maria · Answer

After my husband died I kept a few of his shirts that he wore all the time and made a 12x12 quilt patch from them for each of my children. I framed them and now they have a decorative piece to hang on their walls that each time they look at it will bring back good memories of their dad. You might have other items of your fathers that you could use for this project.

Rhonda Hiebert Lerner · Answer

I, too, just lost my father and know how you feel. How about modifying his bathrobe to be a stylish smoking jacket for you to wear with black satin pants and strings of pearls!

Somewhat Quirky · Answer

I wouldn't repurpose it. I would buy a vintage hook and hang it in one of your bedrooms or bathrooms. If you have a nice closet you could hang it there or on the back of your closet door.

Pam Black · Answer

There is a company who makes teddy bears from articles of clothing. If you google it I'm sure you can find it.  They send you a box to ship it in and everything.  Something special for yourself and possible grandchildren.

Lora (Howard) Cotton · Answer

I had the same problem with a PINK robe from a dear friend who lost her battle with cancer. (Her daughter's are my besties too.) Since neither of her girls are crafty, I took the robe and am making pillows for the two girls and a granddaughter, then since the guys would hardly appreciate something totally pink, I'm making dolls (not sure whether a puppy dog or a teddy bear) that will incorporate a portion of the robe so that they all have a touchable memory of their mom/grandma.

Sue · Answer

I work for hospice and we use the clothes of patients that have passed to make Memory Bears, but honestly, why couldn't you use the robe as a robe for yourself? that way you will have him with you every morning.. :-) sorry for your loss

Mary Montry · Answer

wear it,it would be like getting a hug from your dad

Tina Krenz · Answer

Depending on your color scheme for Christmas, (and this just came in the top of my head), I would take each of the sleeves, make a stocking out of them, and put some nice white cotton on them like at the top of the stocking part, and put a white ribbon somewhere to make it stand out and look nice. ( I'm the type of person who can visualize, but not artistic).

Diana Lafavor · Answer

I would make sachet bags, perhaps make some extra in lavender and cedar or balsam and give as gifts to other members of the family

Peggy Maynard Corbett · Answer

These are all great ideas. I don't wear it because a. I don't like wearing satin and B. It's really big! He was over 6 feet tall. I love the idea of a throw. And of making something like a wrap.

Lottie_davenport @aol.com · Answer

yuo can also make pillows to put in cairs or on the couch.

Theresa Ortega · Answer

Teddy bear. Mine was made from my deceased brother's tshirts.

LindaChaney2 · Answer

Hang it on the wall by running a rod though the arms like they hang the Japanese Robes. It becomes not only a memory but art.

Cyndie S · Answer

So sorry for your loss. Make a bed jacket/robe/quilt for yourself. Save some material to make a scarf to actually wear.

Sharon Russell · Answer

Once you cut into it, that's it. If your loss is a recent one, my advice is to just keep it the way it is for awhile. You know how, if you don't spill anything, you can maybe wear a shirt again before washing it? I have one of Dad's - I wrapped it in plastic - and although the scent is very faint now (38 years later) when I'm really missing him, I can still get a whiff of his aftershave around the collar....did the same with one of Mom's best, still get a trace of her cologne...and somehow, they are with me again, for a moment...

Connie · Answer

I made pillow covers out of some of my father's flannel shirts.  We bring them out in the winter and enjoy them through Christmas.  The robe is so nice, I would either wear it myself or perhaps a fancy pillow for a chair or bed.

Providence Hill · Answer

Make a comfort pillow - He can be be your side forever. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/pillows-throws/how-to-make-a-comfort-pillow-5565017

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